At Southwest, we believe in giving From the Heart, and our Military and their Families hold a special place in our hearts. This is a guest blog from Donald Stratton, a WWII veteran who served in the Navy and is one of the last living survivors of the USS Arizona attack that occurred at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. Southwest is a proud sponsor of Honor Flight, which is a non-profit organization created solely to honor America's veterans for all their sacrifices. #LUVfromtheheart
When I was young, flying was for the rich, for the businessmen. Two days ago, I found myself on a Southwest flight, heading toward the last USS Arizona Reunion that I will see in my lifetime; I am, after all, 91 years old. My name is Donald Stratton, and I am one of the last survivors of the USS Arizona.
On my way to Tucson with my son, I found myself staring at the Southwest ticket counter in Denver. Not only were the agents extremely friendly and helpful to an old man, each of them offered me their hand and spoke the kindest words someone like me could ever hear, “thank you sir for your service to our country.”
In my 91 years, I have flown various airlines over my lifetime and never have I been treated so well as with the Southwest Agents and Flight Crew. I am so grateful for the entire Southwest Airlines Company.
Me with Secretary of State for Arizona, Ken Bennett
The next day, my son and I went to various interviews in Phoenix and Tucson, telling my story, remembering it like it just happened yesterday. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting the Secretary of State for Arizona, Ken Bennett. He and I got to sit down and talk about my time in the Navy, including my decision to re-enlist in the Navy after being burned over 65 percent of my body during the Pearl Harbor attack.
This past Satu rday, Dec. 7, was truly a day to remember. The day was filled with speeches, interviews, and a special guest, my old shipmate, Lauren Bruner. After the day’s speeches and a wreath presentation, 160 ROTC service men from all branches of the military stood in line to salute and to shake my hand. I can honestly say it was one of the proudest moments of my life. It was great to see the ROTC Members who are carrying on the great legacy of the U.S. Military.
The next day, my son and I traveled back to Tucson to the University of Arizona and the USS Arizona Museum they have on campus. To my surprise, my pillowcase from the ship was right there—behind the glass, something I didn’t think I would see again. I mailed that pillowcase to my mother less than a month before the bombing of Pearl Harbor. She later donated it to the museum. It was amazing to see it again, knowing I slept on it just months before the attack. The museum also holds another relic of the USS Arizona: the bell that was used to mark the time on the Arizona. As I walked into that room, I was instantly transported back to my days on the ship. Everything became vivid again when I rang that bell, my shipmate’s faces flashed before my eyes, sounds of air raid sirens went off, and there was the feeling of flying as the ship went airborne after being hit with a high-altitude bomb. I never thought a person could have so many emotions at once, but I did after I rang that bell.
The trip back to Denver was bittersweet; it would be the last time I would see and hear the bell of my ship, the last time I would see my shipmate, Lauren, the last time I would see my pillowcase, and the last time I would travel back to Arizona. I am so grateful to Southwest Airlines. Without their generosity, my son and I would never have been able to make this trip. Thank you so much to Southwest Airlines, our family will forever be grateful.
Never forget those whose sacrifice allows you to do and say what you will freely without repercussions. Never forget the men and women who sacrificed their lives so that your children and your children’s children can enjoy the land of the free and home of the brave.
NEVER FORGET DECEMBER 7TH 1941.
Donald Stratton
USS Arizona Survivor
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